Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: Some leaders build institutions. Others build legacies. Dr. Hrusikesh Mohanty has done both—with quiet resolve and unwavering clarity of purpose. In an age where education is often reduced to numbers and rankings, he dared to ask deeper questions: What if a campus could feel like a crucible of innovation? What if technical education could empower not just careers, but lives? As Principal of Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE), Cuttack, Dr. Mohanty didn’t just modernize an institution—he reimagined its soul. His journey is not just one of accolades, but of intent, impact, and an unrelenting belief in the power of transformation. As he prepares to close one chapter of his illustrious career and turn the page to another, his legacy stands tall, engraved in the very foundations of the institution he so tirelessly transformed.
Dr. Hrusikesh Mohanty
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Dr. Mohanty began his professional journey in the industrial sector. But in 1991, guided by an inner calling, he transitioned to the Directorate of Technical Education and Training, Odisha. What followed was a lifelong mission to bridge the divide between theoretical education and practical industry needs. With over three decades of service, Dr. Mohanty has reimagined what it means to lead in the world of polytechnic education.
At BOSE, he found not just an institution, but a canvas upon which to paint his vision. Under his stewardship, the school evolved from a conventional polytechnic into a thriving hub of innovation and collaboration. The introduction of 13 advanced laboratories, in partnership with global giants like Hexagon, Festo, Schneider, Phillips, and Mitutoyo South Asia, was more than an infrastructural upgrade—it was a philosophical shift. These labs, born from corporate social responsibility partnerships, offer students an immersive experience in cutting-edge technology and real-world industrial applications. The emphasis was clear: education must not just inform; it must equip.
In Dr. Mohanty’s own words, “True learning begins where comfort ends.” This guiding principle became the backbone of BOSE’s transformation. He pioneered the concept of tripartism in Technical Education and Vocational Training, forging dynamic collaborations between academia, industry, and government. It was this triad that breathed life into a new educational ecosystem—one that prizes authenticity, relevance, and future-readiness.
Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE), Cuttack,
His achievements are not just institutional—they are deeply personal. The man who has led BOSE to the top spot in the QCI rankings and earned the prestigious NBA accreditation still speaks with humility and a sense of shared success. For him, leadership is not about control but about nurturing environments where people feel empowered. “Create an emotional infrastructure where people feel valued, inspired, and motivated to give their best,” he says. This belief echoes through the halls of BOSE, where both faculty and students speak of a culture defined by trust, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose.
Dr. Mohanty’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. On August 15, 2024, he was honored with the Chief Minister’s Award—a fitting tribute to his relentless dedication to transforming education in Odisha. But for him, accolades are only milestones, not destinations. His eyes remain fixed on the horizon, and his heart on the journey.
Always a few steps ahead of the curve, Dr. Mohanty led BOSE into uncharted territory by introducing three future-facing disciplines: Digital Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics, and Mechatronics. These courses were carefully curated to match the evolving needs of modern industry, positioning BOSE students at the forefront of technological advancement. The results speak volumes—BOSE is now the only diploma institution in India to file six patents in product design. It’s an extraordinary feat that underlines the culture of research, curiosity, and innovation that Dr. Mohanty has nurtured.
The global exposure he received through government-sponsored visits to Switzerland, Europe, Singapore, and Malaysia added depth to his vision. These experiences provided him with a global perspective, allowing him to integrate the best practices from international models into BOSE’s framework. His international training in leadership and industrial exposure visits were not just learning opportunities; they were seeds that blossomed into concrete reforms back home.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Mohanty has published 17 research papers in reputed international journals and contributed a book chapter on minerals and materials processing to Wiley Online Library. His intellectual pursuits reflect a lifelong commitment to learning—a trait he wishes to pass on to his students. “Never stop learning. Never settle. Be fearless in your pursuit of excellence and be kind in your leadership,” he advises the next generation.
To the youth unsure of their path, he offers simple yet profound guidance: “Explore boldly. Don’t be afraid to walk unfamiliar paths. The world needs problem-solvers and innovators, not just degree holders.” He urges students to embrace hands-on learning, internships, and challenges that test their resilience. “Understand that growth is uncomfortable. So don’t be afraid to feel unsure—because that’s where learning happens.”
Indeed, Dr. Mohanty’s philosophy blends the practical with the philosophical. He speaks not just of skills, but of emotional intelligence, of adaptability, of grit and grace. In a world that is increasingly VUCA—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—he believes students must be ready not only with technical know-how but also with the mental agility to navigate change. “Innovation starts with the courage to question, the humility to learn, and the resilience to fail and try again,” he says.
As he prepares to retire from government service, there is no sign of slowing down. His passion for education remains as vibrant as ever. He speaks of embarking on a new personal and intellectual journey, seeking growth beyond the boundaries of official responsibilities. This next chapter, he believes, will be no less impactful than the last.
And so, the story of Dr. Hrusikesh Mohanty is not merely one of institutional success, but of human transformation. He has left an indelible mark on the educational fabric of Odisha, reshaping BOSE into a beacon of excellence and laying the groundwork for generations to come. His legacy is not just in buildings, rankings, or patents—but in the countless lives he has touched, the minds he has inspired, and the future he has so selflessly helped shape.
As he reflects on his journey, there is one sentiment that echoes through his words: “There are still miles to go before I sleep.” And in that quiet declaration lies the promise of a man who has never ceased to dream, and who continues to light the way for others to follow.
